TV FAQs - KMTelecom

Kasson Area: 507-634-2511 Dodge Center Area: 507-633-2511

Get answers to TV questions.

TELEVISION FAQ

Click on each question to view its answer.

Why do my TV rates go up?

Please visit the following website for more information – TYonMySide.com.

What is the Broadcast TV Surcharge I see on my bill?

What is the Broadcast TV Surcharge on my statement?

The Broadcast TV Surcharge is a pass through reflecting charges assessed to KMTelecom by the owners of local broadcast, or local “network-affiliated,” TV stations (network affiliates such as ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, etc.). While broadcast stations distribute their signals over the air using free spectrum granted to them by the federal government, they charge KMTelecom significant amounts to carry their TV signals. These signals were historically made available to KMTelecom at no cost, or low cost. However, the prices now demanded by broadcast stations have made it necessary for KMTelecom to pass these costs along to our customers.

Why can broadcast TV stations charge for carriage of their signals?

Broadcast TV stations distribute their signals over the air, using free spectrum granted to them by the federal government. In effect, taxpayers are subsidizing the distribution of broadcast, or “network-affiliated,” TV signals. These same broadcast TV stations are then allowed by the government to charge for their signals and if we do not agree to pay, broadcasters can force us to drop their channels, thereby adversely impacting our customers.

Why do you treat local broadcast TV stations differently than you do networks such as ESPN, MTV or HBO?

Federal law treats them differently. Unlike TV networks, local broadcast TV stations distribute their signals over the air, using free spectrum granted to them by the federal government. In effect, taxpayers are subsidizing the distribution of broadcast TV signals. These same broadcast TV stations are then allowed, by the government to charge for their signals.

Are all local broadcast or network-affiliated TV stations charging KMTelecom?

Broadcast stations have the option of requiring KMTelecom to carry their stations for no monthly fee, or opting to negotiate a charge to KMTelecom for the right to carry their station. If sounds confusing, but the laws leave little option to companies like KMTelecom. While there may still be some stations that do not demand payment from KMTelecom for carriage, other local TV stations require significant payment from KMTelecom, and it is their charges that are reflected in the Broadcast TV Surcharge.

Is there an installation charge to have KMTV set up in my home?

No, at this time KMTelecom is not charging to install KMTV.

What if I want 5 TVs set up with KMTV service?

You can certainly have additional TV’s connected. There will be an additional charge to connect more then 2 TV. The additional charge is $75/hour labor, plus parts. There is also an additional monthly charge for any extra equipment that may be required.

Do I have to connect my KMTV set top box to a surge protector?

It’s highly recommended. The customer is responsible for damage or destruction that occurs due to a power surge or lightning damage.

When I switch to KMTV, do I need to cancel my existing cable service?

All customers are responsible for disconnecting any existing television services with their current provider. We advise all of our new KMTV customers NOT to disconnect their current service until KMTV services are installed and operational.

Will I get the local channels? Is there an additional charge for them?

Yes, you will get local channels with all of our programming options at no additional cost.

Are there additional charges besides what I pay for my KMTV programming?

Programming prices do not include franchise fee (3% or 4% depending on location), equipment fee of $1.00 and Broadcast surcharge of $15.00. Applicable taxes also apply (6.5% state, 3% federal). An $8.00 Sports Network fee applies to any Basic and Deluxe customers.

How do I make changes to my channel package?

Call Customer Service at 507-634-2511.

Can I pick and choose my channels?

No, there are no substitutions or changing channels among packages. KMTelecom is required to package certain channels together which doesn’t give us the ability to offer you the option to pick your own channels.

Do I need to have phone service or High Speed Internet to get KMTV?

No. However, customers do need to be in our service area to get KMTV. There are bundles available at a discounted rate, which include Telephone, High Speed Internet and KMTV. Submit your address HERE to see all the available bundles for your home.

Can I use my universal remote to operate the KMTV system?

Your television remote will continue to work with your TV. The remote that is for KMTV is programmed specifically for our product. Universal remotes will not work with KMTV.

My KMTV remote needs to be replaced. Do I have to buy a new one?

There is no additional charge to replace your remote. Please contact our customer service department at 634-2511 to arrange for a new one.

How long is the estimated installation time?

The installation time between homes will vary. You can plan from 2 to 4 hours depending on your individual needs.

Do I have to be home at the time of installation?

Yes, we require an adult who can make decisions to be present.

Will the installation of KMTV disrupt my High Speed Internet or phone service?

No.

Why should I stay with KMTelecom when I can get my service cheaper somewhere else?

KMTelecom’s pricing and services are highly competitive. We offer bundles for TV, internet, and phone service to help you save money each month. We also offer value-added benefits such as 24/7 customer support, high definition programming, and the most reliable phone and internet service in the area.

As a local company, our employees are your friends and neighbors who truly care about the people we serve. We understand that billing increases are never easy, which is why we do our best to minimize costs while still providing our customers with the best service at a reasonable price.

SPORTS

I have a charge on my bill called 'Sports Network Fee' for $5.00. What is this?

Sports programming has become one of the biggest drivers of programming cost increases for cable and satellite providers, and now represents a large majority of KMTelecom’s programming costs. Despite our best efforts to control these fees, KMTelecom, like other cable and satellite companies, can no longer continue to absorb these increased costs.

This fee covers a small portion of our costs to carry the increasingly expensive sports programming that is carried by networks in every level of our channel lineup, including dedicated sports channels such as Bally Sports North, Big Ten Network, ESPN, NBC Sports, and the NFL Network, as well as on general entertainment networks such as TNT, TBS, USA Network.

What kind of sporting events are you talking about?

Networks are now paying billions of dollars for the ability to broadcast college and professional sporting events, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, car racing, tennis, golf, soccer, the Winter and Summer Olympics, and more. Networks then pass these fees on to cable and satellite providers.

Why can't I just pick the channels I want to watch since I don't watch sports?

Unfortunately, programmers set certain rules or guidelines for how their channels can be sold to customers, including what channels must be sold together, where the channels are positioned, and which cable packages can contain their channels. This prevents us from allowing customers the option of selecting their channels a la carte.

CALLER ID

Will Caller ID service display on all of my TVs?

Yes, if you subscribe to Caller ID with your telephone service, KMTV gives you the option to display Caller ID on your TV screen. When your phone rings the callers name and number will be displayed on all TVs.

Do I have to remove the Caller ID log from each TV or can it be done from one?

The Caller ID log has to be removed from each TV.